Vietnam has amazing scenery, delicious food, and rich culture. There are many surprises for you to discover all year round. You can visit Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, visit Hoi An Ancient Town, or visit the coastal cities along Vietnam's coastline and their surrounding islands. If you are planning your Vietnam tour, you can read this article. You will learn about the best time and worst time to visit Vietnam and a month-by-month tour guide.
When is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Overall, Because of the moderate climate and sunny weather, you can visit most parts of Vietnam.
However, you should know that Vietnam is a country that spans a huge distance from south to north. It is 1650 kilometers. The weather varies in different regions. The best times to visit Vietnam really depend on where you want to go, your budget, and tolerance for heat, rain, and crowds. So, when planning your trip to Vietnam, it is necessary to get to know the different regions and weather of Vietnam first.
Vietnam can be roughly divided into northern Vietnam, central Vietnam, and southern Vietnam. The northern Vietnam is mountainous, while the central Vietnam and southern Vietnam have famous beaches and islands such as Da Nang, Hoi An, Mui Ne and Nha Trang.
The temperature in northern Vietnam varies greatly, with a clear division between summer and winter. The best time to visit northern Vietnam is from October to April. It is winter in northern Vietnam with cool and dry weather. Except in the far north Vietnam or in the mountains where it may be cold and even snow. May to September is the summer in northern Vietnam which is hot and rainy. Sometimes there are typhoons.
There are two seasons in central Vietnam — dry season (January to August) and the rainy season (September to December). The best time to go to central Vietnam is from February to August. At this time you can experience pleasant weather and bright sunshine when you are traveling. The best time to visit Vietnam beaches is during the dry season.
Southern Vietnam is warm all year round. You can travel to South Vietnam at any time. From June to November is the monsoon season with heavy rain. The rain at this time is usually relatively brief. You don't have to worry too much about the rain affecting your travel. But you need to be aware of possible flooding near the Mekong River. The dry season generally lasts from December to May, which is the best time to visit southern Vietnam.
The worst time to visit Vietnam is during the monsoon season and typhoon season. Rain will make your travel become inconvenient, and even affect the journey.
Travel to Vietnam is usually cheaper. Although the rainy season is not the best time to visit Vietnam, it has its own advantages. If your budget is really limited, we recommend that you visit Vietnam during the rainy season. The rainy season is likely to discourage many tourists, making accommodation and flights cheaper. So this is the cheapest time to visit Vietnam.
The rainy season in northern and southern Vietnam is from May to November, while the rainy season in central Vietnam is usually from September to December. As Vietnam's rainy season has short periods of rain from time to time, we recommend that you plan a more flexible travel plan. Bring rain gear, such as umbrellas, raincoats, etc., and check the weather forecast in advance. You should pay attention to whether the activities you plan to attend will be canceled due to heavy rain.
Vietnam Travel Guide by Month
Visiting Vietnam in January
January is cool and dry. It is one of the best time of year to visit Vietnam. Although it is winter in northern Vietnam, the weather is mild. The average maximum temperature in northern Vietnam is 20°C (68℉). Except for the far northern Vietnam and the high-altitude mountains, you won't feel very cold anywhere else. The central Vietnam and southern Vietnam will be warmer than the northern Vietnam, so you can enjoy warm weather. Temperatures in central and southern Vietnam usually range from 23°C to 31°C.
January is one of the best time to visit Phu Quoc Island. The weather in Phu Quoc is sunny and dry. You can enjoy the stunning natural scenery. Whether you want to take a boat ride or snorkel is suitable.
You can look forward to the Lunar Vietnamese New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnamese). It is the most important holiday in Vietnam. The festival is usually in late January or early February. Vietnamese people usually go home to their families. So some restaurants and shops may be closed. The celebrations during Tet Nguyen Dan can last for several days. You can immerse yourself in such an atmosphere and traditional customs of Vietnam.
Visiting Vietnam in February
February and January are the same in Vietnam. February is also a good time to visit Vietnam. Most of the area had a warm and sunny day. Temperatures in central and southern Vietnam are generally above 20°C (68°F). The southern Vietnam will be the warmest with temperatures reaching up to 30°C. February is not as cold in the northern Vietnam. But it is still cool.
You can travel to Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) has more tourists all year round, so it is better to choose a time when the weather is suitable. Grab a cup of coffee at a corner cafe, visit Ho Chi Minh City's French architecture, and feel the urban atmosphere where east meets west. From Tan Dinh Church, walk to the surrounding attractions, such as Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon and Independence Palace.
Please note that the Vietnamese Lunar New Year may also occur in early February. Vietnamese people also travel at this time. If you plan to visit Vietnam at this time, remember to book hotels and flights in advance.
Visiting Vietnam in March
Vietnam gets warmer in March. Temperatures in northern Vietnam generally range from 16°C to 25°C (61℉ to 77℉). Meanwhile, temperatures in central and southern Vietnam are higher, usually between 21°C and 33 °C. There is very little rain and you can enjoy sunny weather. Southern Vietnam will be hotter than central Vietnam.
March can be said to be spring in Halong Bay, which is one of the best time to visit Halong Bay. As the temperature rises, the water becomes warmer for swimming. Or you can take a boat trip to Halong Bay and marvel at its strange limestone islands. Enjoy the mountain island covered with trees and the turquoise water which is like a beautiful painting. You can even observe the beautiful coral reefs and fish schools through the clear water.
Heading to Dak Lak, you can expect the coffee festival held in Buon Ma Thuot. You can visit the coffee Expo to learn about the coffee culture in Vietnam.
Visiting Vietnam in April
April in Vietnam is also a good time to travel. Although there is occasional rain in April, it is mostly dry. More rain is likely in southern Vietnam. Temperatures in northern Vietnam usually range from 19 ° C to 27 ° C (66℉ to 81℉). Central and southern Vietnam may be hot with the temperatures above 23 ° C to 30 ° C (73℉ to 86℉).
Head to Hue and you might meet the biennial Hue Festival. If you are interested in Vietnamese culture, check out the various activities held at the Hue Festival, such as circus performances and dance performances. If you plan to travel to Hue, explore its historic architecture. You can visit Hue's main attractions, such as the Hue Historic Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and Phu Cam Cathedral.
Visiting Vietnam in May
Vietnam starts to get hot in May. The temperature in northern Vietnam usually ranges from 25 ° C to 31 ° C (77℉ to 88℉). Temperatures in central and southern Vietnam can range from 28° C to 34° C (82℉ to 93℉). More rain is likely in northern and southern Vietnam, especially as the rainy season is approaching in the south. But in central Vietnam, you can still enjoy more dry and sunny days.
You can head to Ha Giang, marvel at the magnificent mountain landscape and deep canyons. Learn about the ethnic groups here and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture.
Visiting Vietnam in June
June is the beginning of the rainy season in northern and southern Vietnam and one of the hottest months in Vietnam. Northern Vietnam may have heavy showers at times. The rainy season begins in southern Vietnam. However, although the central Vietnam is also very hot, you can enjoy more sunny weather here.
The beaches of central Vietnam are a good choice. June is one of the best time to visit Nha Trang. Take a walk on the beach in Nha Trang, feel the soft sand under your feet, and lie on the beach to sunbathe. Or take a cruise to the islands around Nha Trang. Meanwhile, you can look forward to the biennial Nha Trang Sea Festival. Immerse yourself in a variety of cultural and recreational activities, such as exciting concerts, art exhibitions, seafood and international food competitions.
Visiting Vietnam in July
Vietnam is hot and humid in July. The temperature of the whole country is basically from 25℃ to 34℃ (77℉ to 93℉). There is rainfall in most areas. July is the peak of summer in northern Vietnam with occasional showers. Southern Vietnam is still in the rainy season, and the possibility of rain is greater. In central Vietnam, there is more sunshine, but more rain than before.
July is a good month to visit central Vietnam. A sunny beach vacation is a good choice. Why not visit to Hoi An? Explore the charming town of Hoi An, visit the well-preserved ancient buildings, admire the exquisite wood carvings and ornate lanterns. Or relax on the beautiful beach, ride the featured coconut boat and watch the Impression Hoi An show.
Head to Da Nang, not far from Hoi An. Feel the sea breeze on your face, do water activities in the sun, and watch the sunset on the beach. If you are visiting Da Nang in July, it is also a good option to head to Ba Na Hills for the summer.
Visiting Vietnam in August
August is still hot in Vietnam with average temperatures ranging from 25 ° C to 34 ° C (77℉ to 93℉). In the northern and southern of Vietnam, there will be heavy rain, but the rain will be brief. Central Vietnam is still sunny comparing to the northern and southern Vietnam. But there will be more rain towards September. A lot of rain will also make north Vietnam and south Vietnam less tourist, you may be able to enjoy a better price.
If you want to begin your Vietnam tour in August, we suggest you travel to central Vietnam where there are more sunny days, such as Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An. You can arrange some indoor activities so that your trip will not be interrupted by rainy days. You can discover Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, visit Cham sculptures. Or find a restaurant and taste local drinks, snacks and dishes. You can experience Wandering Soul Day in late August. On this day, Vietnamese people worship their dead relatives and ancestors at local temples.
Visiting Vietnam in September
September is the end of summer in Vietnam. But September is still very hot with an average temperature of 24 ° C to 32 ° C (75℉ to 90℉). With the end of September, the rainy season in northern and southern Vietnam generally passes. In central Vietnam, a violent rainy season begins.
One of the best places to visit in September is northern Vietnam. September is one of the best time to visit Sapa. Sapa at this time of year is not as hot as in summer and has less rainfall. Hiking in Sapa is a good choice. Rice begins to mature in September, and the golden rice terraces are picturesque. You can enjoy the terraces and lush plants here. Visit the locals harvesting rice and experience the ancient traditions and customs of Sapa.
Visiting Vietnam in October
With the arrival of October, the temperature in Vietnam begins to drop. The temperature in Vietnam in October generally ranges from 22 ° C to 29 ° C (72℉ to 84℉). You can expect a more comfortable temperature. There are less rainfall in northern and southern Vietnam. But rainfall in central Vietnam is increasing, and there may be typhoons and heavy rains.
Sapa is still a good place for hiking in October. You can enjoy the autumn scenery in northern Vietnam. At the same time, October is one of the best time to visit Hanoi. The weather in Hanoi at this time is cool and comfortable, with little rainfall. You would have a good travel experience. October in Hanoi is in the peak tourist season. Hotel and other travel costs may be higher than usual. We recommend that you book your hotel well in advance.
Visiting Vietnam in November
November is the beginning of winter in northern Vietnam, with temperatures generally ranging from 19 ° C to 25 ° C (66℉ to 77℉). The temperature is mild and dry. Central Vietnam is still in the rainy season. Visiting to central Vietnam at this time requires a flexible itinerary and an eye on the weather forecast.
If you plan to visit northern Vietnam in September, you can enjoy a quiet holiday away from the hustle and bustle by hiking in the Vietnamese countryside. Or take the best route and go on a motorcycle tour. You may want to walk through dense jungle and pass traditional villages. Take a motorbike ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay and take a boat trip to Halong Bay in autumn. Travel to Phong Nha and embark on an adventure in the world's largest cave.
Visiting Vietnam in December
December is generally warm in Vietnam, but sometimes it can be a bit hot in southern Vietnam. At this time, the weather in northern Vietnam is dry and sunny, and the temperature is generally from 15 ° C to 22 ° C (59℉ to 72℉). In central Vietnam, during the rainy season, the temperature is generally from 21 ° C to 26 ° C (70℉ to 79℉). The southern Vietnam has a good weather with mild temperatures and little rainfall.
Northern Vietnam's cool weather and minimal rainfall make it ideal for outdoor activities. If you prefer warmer weather, head to southern Vietnam. Travel to the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc Island and the southern beaches of Menai. Cruise the Mekong Delta and visit floating markets to get up close to the locals. You can also spend Christmas Day here, brow the local shops and markets and get into the holiday atmosphere.
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